BOSTON

UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE HARRIET E. RICHARDS COOPERATIVE HOUSE Boston University provides many diverse types of living accommodations, which assist in broadening the horizons of resident students. One very unique house is the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House. The House is a residence for twenty-four women, who, through a cooperative venture assume the responsibility of sharing the expense and doing the housework. The House is located at 191 Bay State Road. The residents pay $215 per month, which covers room and board, utilities, minor repairs, and general maintenance. This amount is subject to change due to inflation. There are six elected officers within the House: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Clerk and Steward. These officers are responsible for different functions within the house as well as managing the budget. The House Director, a graduate student of Boston University, serves as a resource person to individual students and to the House as a whole. The members of the house share the cooking and cleaning responsibilities. Participation in monthly House meetings and traditional house events is required for all house members. There are also many other opportunities for house members to become involved. 1. Each member is expected to carry out her share of the household duties as well as maintain good academic standing. Household duties usually take approximately 3 to 5 hours a week. Dinner preparation is also shared among the house members. 2. Members of the House who permit their grade point average to fall below 2.0 for any one year are required to withdraw from the House. 3. Living expenses are currently $215 per month, September through May. This fee is reflected in the budget that is used to determine financial need. Specific questions concerning changes should be addressed to the Office of Financial Assistance. 4. Individuals enter the House with the understanding that they are to remain in the House throughout the academic year unless on leave of absence from the University, asked to withdraw by the Director of Residence Life, or on a study abroad program. 5. Members must maintain a significant presence in the House to meet the demands of living in a cooperative house and to be available to make contributions to the house. This commitment will be explored during the interview process.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE HARRIET E RICHARDS COOPERATIVE HOUSE APPLICATION FOR RESIDENCE Please type or print neatly and type responses to all additional questions. Please answer completely and honestly. Name __________________________________________ BU ID# ____________________________________________ Current Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone # ___________________________________ Home Phone #_____________________________________ Permanent Address _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________ Expected Year of Graduation ____________________ School/College ________________________________ Major _______________________________________________ 1. How did you learn about the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House? 2. Please list your activities or commitments and the number of hours per week you spend for each. (Include class hours, work, clubs and organizations). 3. Where would the House fall in order of importance compared to your other activities? 4. List three qualities that you possess and explain briefly how these qualities will be an asset in a cooperative living situation. 5. Give us an informal idea of the kind of interests or things that appeal to you. (For example: Have you studied abroad? Favorite music or films? Etc?) BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT In order for us to obtain a clear pictures of who you are and why you would like to live in the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House, we are asking that you submit a biographical statement with your application. The biographical statement should briefly describe important experiences, interests and abilities that relate to your potential as a house member. As a guideline, your biographical statement should cover two points: (1) your personal background; and (2) your evaluation of yourself. The aspects of the personal background should include a description of significant life experiences in the development of your value and belief system. You may want to concentrate on experiences with certain individuals, your family, or certain groups. As well, you may want to mention any community, volunteer, or political activities that have shaped your ideas.

Your personal evaluation of yourself should describe why you think you would be a good House member. What leads you to believe that you will be effective based on the description of the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House? Why do you want to live in the House? Describe particular strengths and weaknesses that will have an impact on your performance in the house. The statement should be no more than 3 pages, typed and double-spaced. ESSAY Please respond to one of the following questions by writing an essay one to two double spaced, typed pages. 1. From your experience of living with others, describe a problem that arose and how you solved it. 2. Describe your role in working on a group project at school or work. RECOMMENDATION LETTERS Two or more recommendation letters are required. They may be submitted by former teachers, employers or persons who are in positions to judge the applicant. The purpose of the recommendations is to see how well the applicant will adapt to cooperative skills, concern for others, and anything that makes the applicant stand out (exceptional qualities). LETTER FROM PARENT The parent(s) or guardian must write a letter explaining the necessity for the applicant to reduce the living expenses. In addition a copy of the financial aid materials must be on file with the Office of Financial Assistance at Boston University. APPLICATION SUBMISSION, REVIEW AND INTERVIEW The completed application should be sent to the Office of Residence Life, Attn: Kenneth Douglass, 25 Buick St, Boston, MA 02215. The application can also be dropped off in person. If the candidate has not been deemed financially eligible yet, the ORL will determine this upon submission. Once a candidate is deemed eligible and has submitted a completed application, the Interview Committee of the House will interview the applicant. The Interview/Public Relations Committee or the Vice President will notify those applicants accepted into the House.